2016 Plan - CO Unit 78 Archery

[wavygravy]

There's a lot of these posts, I know, but they help newbies like me tremendously. So for my first season I'm looking at CO unit 78 for an archery backpack in DIY hunt. The terrain looks good, I've been doing my research on several sites for benches, funnels, water holes, etc. I have to go early in September due to work restrictions. So far I think I've got a good trailhead narrowed down (not posting online, but can PM if interested). I have a few questions:
1) Any others have info about the area? Pressure? Success? Pictures? I'll take anything to help bolster my search.
2) Since I'll be heading up early in Sept and there's not a high likelihood of bugling, what is everyone's general tactic that time of year? Posting up near watering holes? Silent stalking timber?
3) I spoke with Crazy Horse Outfitters in the area for a potential pack in / out service. So far they've been really helpful in the possibility of getting me in / out. I still haven't decided 100% yet, but I think it'd be great to have some stuff packed in and potentially (hopefully) an elk packed out. Anyone have any experience with them? I'm not sure exactly how a pack service works. Do I get to go wherever I want? Or just wherever their camps are located?
Thanks for the help all!

 

[Slugz]

WG,
If you haven't already ensure you back up all your planning with the Colorado hunting atlas online. Lots of good info and intel there.

Opener till the screaming starts spot and stalk, pattern them and get ahead of them. Do not bump em out of their beds and you can probably hunt the same herd for numerous days. Glass, glass glass then glass more.

As a general rule of thumb in those southern border GMUs. 1. National land 2. As far south as you can get. Lots and lots of crossing of genetics down there produces fat cow and big horns.

Lastly if its brown, put it down. don't pass on any cows, any elk archery is a trophy. You cant eat the horns! All the best.

 

[Matthoek21]

Slugs is right on! Spot and stalk and get in front. A packer will take you in where you want to go as long as he is in his district. An outfitter will want you to do a drop camp in his area. If he is both he will work with you and your spots, but don't rule out local knowledge, but also sometimes that is limited depending on how much money you are spending. Outfitted/Guided clients will be in the best spots. Or at least with the most elk.

 

[tafangman]

I have hunted the north end of 78 several times. We hunted 14 to 15 miles back in the Weminuche Wilderness from Big meadows Reservoir. We saw a lot of elk and I missed a nice 6x6 in there. I used my own mules to get in there but I'am to old for that terrain any more. I can give you the gps coordinates to where we set up camp if you want to hunt that far north in the unit.

 

[wavygravy]

I appreciate the advice and the offer, I sent you a PM tafangman. I may try and get together a scouting trip this summer, Pagosa Springs is around 15 hours from here. We'll see. Thanks again.